Posted by Charlotte England
Community Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through sharing their professional skills gained over many years with the wider community.
Rotarians are governed by the Four Way Test:
Of the things we think, do and say:
  1. Is it the TRUTH
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  4. Is it BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Visiting local universities, schools, councils and charitable organisations increases our knowledge and helps to build our network so that we can best assist and support people in our local community.
Our community services initiates have proved popular with our members and usually include some lively fellowship. In the past few years we have been involved with many local organisations such as:
  1. Swinburne University
  2. Servants Community Housing
  3. Auburn High School
  4. Salvation Army through the Salvo Hawks Football
  5. Boroondara Council
Rotary Club of Hawthorn has developed a strong partnership with Swinburne University, coordinating Public Speaking Programs and introducing students to our monthly evening membership night held at the Auburn Hotel which has been a great success for younger members of the community.
Each year Hawthorn Rotary holds a Christmas Lunch for the socially disadvantaged at the Camberwell High School on the weekend prior to Christmas.  This event is a key Club initiative that helps those in our community who are disadvantaged.  In 2016 over 200 people arrived for a full Christmas lunch, gifts, an appearance by Santa and a truly festive afternoon.
In conjunction with several other local Rotary Clubs, we have been involved in Tree Planting at Hays Paddock plus organising Tree Planting at Fritz Holzer Park July 2018. Also in 2018 Hawthorn Rotary is proposing a New Citizens Dinner at the Auburn Bowls Club in February and an Art Show to coincide with Harmony Day on the 21st March.